In an article relating to a celebration of Classic TV, a number of points were raised, including the addition of sex gags and cutting the runtime for more commercials in today’s television shows. The article features quotes of Matt Groening having his say.
“In recent times, networks have shaved back the length of sitcoms to make room for more advertising. Carl Reiner, creator of the Dick Van Dyke show recalls, “We had 27 minutes (to do ‘Dick Van Dyke’), and I remember we howled when it was cut to 26 1/2. Now, it’s closer to 20 minutes.’ And Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, is feeling the pain. “When the time you have to entertain the audience is cut for more commercials, what you lose are the free-form jokes, which are some of the funniest jokes in a sitcom, whether it’s The Simpsons or another show,” he says. “It’s hurt the show — I’ll say, it’s made the show more difficult to write.” Read More >>>